innovation | March 09, 2026

Selena Gomez’s Acceptance Speech, Plus More Memorable Moments from the 2016 AMAs

The 2016 American Music Awards were more than just music and pretty dresses. From Selena Gomez's powerful acceptance speech to Gigi Hadid's hilarious Melania Trump impression, these memorable moments from the show are the ones everyone will be talking about.

MUST SEE: Gigi Hadid, Chrissy Teigen and More Stars' Most Revealing Dresses at the 2016 AMAs

Click through the gallery to see the most memorable moments from the 2016 AMAs.

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Gig hadid amas moment

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Gigi Hadid's surprisingly accurate impression of Melania Trump.

“I love my husband, President Barack Obama, and our children, Sasha and Malia,” she joked.

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Apple

Drake's hilarious Apple Music commercial.

In the commercial, Drake dances to Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" — and yes, it's as epic as it sounds.

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Chrissy amas moment

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Chrissy Teigen introducing her husband John Legend in this revealing, high-slit dress.

And she still somehow avoided a wardrobe malfunction.

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Selena Gomez's emotional acceptance speech for Favorite Pop/Rock Female.

The singer, who made her first public appearance since checking out of rehab, teared up during a powerful acceptance speech where she talked about inner struggles.

"I had to stop. Cause I had everything and I was absolutely broken inside," she said onstage. "And I kept it all together enough that I would never let you down, but I kept it too much together so that I let myself down."

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Teyana taylor amas moment

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Teyana Taylor's embarrassing trip on stage when presenting New Artist of the Year.

"Y'all didn't see that. Y'all didn't see that," she quickly laughed off.

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Drake and Nina Dobrev having a mini Degrassi reunion on stage.

"Me and Nina were on Degrassi together, by the way," Drake said while accepting the award for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album.

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Justin bieber amas moment

ABC

Justin Bieber's return to his 16-year-old hair.

Justin's iconic bowl cut from the old days made a surprising return during his performance of "Let Me Love You."

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Green day amas moment

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Green Day threw shade at Donald Trump during their performance of "Bang Bang."

"No Trump! No KKK! No fascist USA!" they chanted.

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John legend amas moment

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John Legend's adorable, family-filled performance of "Love Me Now."

He performed in front of a screen full of pictures of his wife, Chrissy Teigen, and baby daughter, Luna.

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Ariana grande performance

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Ariana Grande's super sexy performance of "Side to Side."

She performed alongside Nicki Minaj in a performance that looked like something straight out of an orgy.

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Gigi hadid amas moment

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Gigi Hadid's many stunning dresses.

It's rare for a host to nail every single costume change, but the model managed to do exactly that.

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Idina amas moment

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Idina Menzel and Mark Cuban's dig at Donald Trump.

“What are you looking forward to next year?” Idina asked Mark before introducing the award for best Country Music Duo/Group. When Mark replied that he was looking forward to not being invited to the 2017 inauguration, Idina agreed. “Us unsafe, scary theater people wouldn’t be invited anyway," she said. "I love you, Hamilton!"

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Prince's sister, Tyka Nelson, tearfully accepts the Top Soundtrack award on behalf of her brother.

"Prince defied the odds," she said onstage. "A black teen from Minneapolis with a goal to electrify the world. He had the courage to be different with his vision and god-given talent. He's still one of the world's most respected and loved artists."

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Olivia Munn and T.J. Miller's awkward presentation for Favorite Country Song.

The two poked fun at unfunny presenters by intentionally being unfunny, which in a weird way, became funny.

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